Tulane’s bid for big upset falls just short

NORMAN, OKLA.» Oklahoma nearly took its hospitality too far.

The Sooners’ game against Tulane was relocated from New Orleans because of Hurricane Ida, and Oklahoma’s athletic department and fans went all out to make their guests feel at home. Oklahoma had the Green Wave painted on the 25-yard lines, and Sooners fans cheered when Tulane’s players ran into the field before the game.

The Sooners then nearly let the Green Wave claim their first win over a Top 10 opponent since 1973. Spencer Rattler passed for 304 yards and a touchdown and No. 2 Oklahoma, playing a road game on its home field, narrowly avoided a shocking upset by holding on for a 40-35 victory over Tulane on Saturday.

“That was one of the hardest hitting teams, one of the most physical teams I’ve played,” Rattler said. “They came out there, and they played great, better than us, for sure.”

The Sooners gave up a pair of late touchdowns. Tulane had fourth-and-13 just short of midfield with just under two minutes to go when quarterback Michael Pratt ran for only 12 yards and the Green Wave turned the ball over on downs. The Sooners ran out the clock.

Oklahoma led 37-14 at halftime. “The second half, I think clearly our team felt like the game was over,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said.

Oklahoma’s Gabe Brkic tied an FBS record with three field goals of 50 or more yards. Rattler, a preseason first-team AP All-american, completed 30 of 39 passes, ran for a score and threw for another, but he also threw two interceptions.